DURING the early part of the winter, a servant of the Lord went one Saturday night to distribute tracts in a large village where numbers from the neighboring hamlets usually congregate for the purpose of doing their week’s shopping, or of amusing themselves. On this occasion, a “cheap Jack” had taken up his stand in the center of the village, and the showman was busily employed in puffing his wares or playing his tricks, when the Lord’s messenger mingled with the crowd, giving a tract here or speaking a word there. Presently the showman began jeeringly to upbraid the people with their stupidity and dullness in not accepting his account of his goods, and after further joking proceeded to say that it was all very well to talk about sending missionaries to teach the heathen in foreign lands, but he should like to send a missionary to teach them to make them believe.
To the surprise of all, above the laughter that ensued, was heard the voice of the Lord’s servant—the true missionary— giving the message, “Flee from the wrath to come!”
“God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech by us: we pray in Christ’s stead, Be ye reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:19, 2019To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:19‑20).) What a hush there was! what a solemn pause as thus, without a minute’s warning, the messenger proceeded to proclaim the good news.
How startled that showman was, and those simple eager villagers, as they gathered around to hear the words of life which had so suddenly broken in upon their amusements. In that day when the counsels of the heart will be made manifest, we shall know which of those poor souls drank in the message of God’s love and passed from death unto life.
As suddenly as they were surprised by God’s messenger, so will it be when Jesus “shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Men will be eating and drinking, buying and selling, when suddenly, as a thief in the night, He will come. “Be ye also ready.” M. A. W.